ERASMUS+, Key Action 1: Youth Exchange
Venue: Íllora, Granada, Spain
Dates: 18th – 25th of August 2023
Czech Team: 2 group leaders + 10 participants
Hosting organization: Somos La Otra
Project report:
The Roots and Revels project held in Íllora, Spain, from August 18th to
August 25th, was an culturally enriching experience that brought together participants
from various countries, Czechia, Spain and Serbia, to explore traditions and cultures.
The youth exchange aimed to foster international understanding, team building, and
the exchange of cultural knowledge.
Day 1 (Arrival Day): The project commenced with a warm welcome and getting-to-
know-each-other games. These activities allowed us to break the ice, form
connections, and learn each other’s names. In the evening, we had the freedom to
choose from a variety of activities, including board games, ping pong, and casual
conversations. This informal gathering laid the foundation for inclusive atmosphere
throughout the project.
Day 2: The second day of the project focused on an introduction to the theme, which
revolved around exploring the traditions and cultures of the participating countries.
Day 3, 4 and 6 – Country Showcase
Throughout the project each participating country had the opportunity to host morning
sessions dedicated to showcasing their unique cultural heritage. These sessions
were a highlight of the program and allowed participants to immerse ourselves in the
traditions, games, languages, dances, and other aspects of each country’s culture.
Morning Sessions: All of us loved these morning sessions where we could learn
about the traditions of different nations. Each country’s team presented a lively and
informative session, sharing classic games, energizers, and cultural anecdotes.
Language lessons were a particularly engaging aspect, with participants learning
basic phrases and expressions from various languages. Dance performances added
a vibrant and dynamic element to the mornings, showcasing the diversity of global
dance traditions. For instance Serbian let us make traditional clothing, Czechs
showed how to celebrate Easter properly and Spanishs made wonderful program
with a lot of classic games.
Culture Evening: The grand finale of these cultural exchange days were the Cultural
evenings, a memorable events where each country group presented an overview of
their culture. We’ve prepared informative presentations, songs, poems and quizzes
highlighting key aspects of their nation’s history, traditions, and contemporary culture.
These morning sessions and the Cultural evenings not only enriched the project
experience but also encouraged cross-cultural understanding, respect, and
appreciation among all of us.
Day 4: Trip to Granada
We reached a new level of cultural exploration on the fourth day with an exciting trip
to the historic city of Granada. This excursion was a highly anticipated part of the
program, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of this renowned
Spanish city. We had some free time to explore Granada on our own. Some of us
chose to visit the Royal Chapel, while others strolled through the bustling markets,
soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Departure Day:
As the youth exchange drew to a close, the final day, departure day, was filled with
mixed emotions. Many of us participants and organizers shared heartfelt goodbyes.
We expressed gratitude for the friendships formed and the profound impact of the
project on their lives. It marked the end of an unforgettable journey, a week filled with
cultural exchange, learning, and forging strong friendships.
Conclusion:
The Roots and Revels project in Íllora, Spain, was a memorable and transformative
experience that celebrated cultural diversity, fostered international friendships, and
encouraged a deeper appreciation for traditions around the world. It left us with
cherished memories and a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of our
global society. It was a week that I will never forget.
Berenika Machková
